Page 89 of Sundown Somewhere

“But mostly number one…”

Swoooooon…

A few weeks ago, I would have told you I knew everything there was to know about Huxley Hayes. Everything.

I would have been wrong.

Because I had no idea there was this side of him. That buried deep under this gruff, non-conforming, tattooed, ear-gauged lumberjack exterior was…this. I don’t even know what to call it. Whatever this side is though, it’s making me fall for him. Hard.

Electricity crackles through the air, Hux’s fingertips grazing along my bare skin as he sets me down, before tracing along the laces of my corset. Everything is so alive, part of me is surprised sparks didn’t fly the second his skin touched mine.

“Do you remember how to undo it? Or do you need a pair of scissors?” I ask, a weird mix of emotions taking over.

Swallowing hard, I try to tamp down this swirl of emotions. Something about this feels big. Different. Even after the last few weeks as we explored a different side of our friendship, this feels like another step past that. An even bigger one.

“I remember.” Cupping my cheek, Hux runs a thumb across it, his calloused skin rough and dry. His hazel eyes hold me in place, my heart calling out to him, wanting him to make a move. To do something. Anything. “I’ve imagined this moment more times than I should probably admit to.”

Me too…

“Then what are you waiting for?”

Hux chuckles, the single breath of laughter coming out short, stunted, as if he’s chastising himself for not seeing my challenge coming. It doesn’t motivate him to move any faster though. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Stepping in to me, he cups my other cheek, lowering his head to mine. His lips linger right above mine for a long moment however, just out of reach, his breath tickling my skin, like it’s whispering a secret. Taunting me with the knowledge of everything that’s to come. With each passing second, I grow more desperate for his kiss, for the feel of him against me.

Then he’s there.

Lips capturing mine—soft, sweet, but still in charge—making my knees wobble. I whimper into the kiss, losing myself in it, in him, in everything we are together. In all that we could be. This is how I want to be kissed. From now until forever. Nothing else exists when I’m being kissed like this.

Hux deepens the kiss, his hands weaving their way around my body, taking their time on all my curves, like a sports car hugging a coastal road. I lean in, enjoying the feel of them, his words from earlier still echoing through my brain, heightening the moment.

“As gorgeous as this dress makes you look, even trashed, I think it’s time we get you out of it.”

Nipping at my ear, he spins me around, mouth not wasting any time finding the sweet spot on my neck. Oh, shit… My eyes flutter shut. The flash of desire that move sent coursing through me, my pussy now wanting in on the action, has me on high alert. Damn, Hux.

“Doll,” he says, nibbling at that spot again. “The next time you wear one of these, I vote for a zipper.”

My heart stops.

The corset of my dress loosens, my insides constricting more and more as the fabric gives way, as it all hits me. I suck in a breath, blinking back the tears, Hux’s warm hands sliding inside my dress, stealing my attention briefly, before hammering home what I think I’ve always known but couldn’t admit. Until now.

It should have always been Hux Hayes taking me out of this dress.

“Oh…fuck…”

Hux’s groan is punctuated by my sopping wet gown hitting the floor, his own realization coming out in a much more verbal form.

“You’ve been naked under that all afternoon?”

I turn to face him, unable to hold back my smirk. My heart is ready to burst, the rest of me set ablaze and so turned on it’s not funny. Still, I manage to control myself. Barely.

“Like what you see?”

“You have no fucking idea.”

His hands are back on me in a flash, pulling me into him. He’s still fully clothed, the damp fabric cold and rough against my skin, heightening my senses. I’m on high alert, already feeling like I could ignite, even from the simplest touch.

A touch that I’m craving. That my body is calling out for.